Press Statement

Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
June 5, 2003

Burma Ambush on Aung San Suu Kyi

Officials from the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon have returned from a visit to the site of the May 30 violent attack on Aung San Suu Kyi and her traveling party.
Their findings indicate that there was a premeditated ambush on Aung San Suu Kyi's motorcade. Circumstances and reports from individuals in the region indicate that the attack was conducted by government-affiliated thugs. The debris remaining at the scene suggests a major clash, which could easily have resulted in serious injuries to large numbers of people.

We call on the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) in Burma to provide a full accounting of the dead, injured, and missing.

The continued detention in isolation of Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of her political party is outrageous and unacceptable. We call on the SPDC to release them immediately, and to provide all necessary medical attention to those who have been injured, including assistance from international specialists. The offices of the National League for Democracy closed by the SPDC should be reopened without delay and their activities no longer proscribed.

United Nations Special Envoy Razali Ismail will be visiting Burma on June 6. The U.S. fully supports his efforts. He must be allowed to see Aung San Suu Kyi and other opposition leaders. If Amb. Razali is not able to meet privately with Aung San Suu Kyi, the U.S. will need to evaluate the utility of this
U.N.-sponsored effort to support national reconciliation in Burma.

[End]

Released on June 5, 2003